Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Surgical Trainee Education and Well-Being Spring 2020-Winter 2020: A Path Forward

Authors

E Christopher Ellison, The Ohio State University Department of Surgery, Columbus, OH, USA. Electronic address: ellison.2@osu.edu.
Alisa Nagler, The American College of Surgeons, Division of Education, Chicago, IL, USA.
Steven C. Stain, The Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
Jeffrey B. Matthews, The University of Chicago Department of Surgery, Chicago, IL, USA.
Kathryn Spanknebel, New York Medical College, School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Valhalla, NY, USA.
Mohsen M. Shabahang, The Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA, USA.
Patrice Gabler Blair, The American College of Surgeons, Division of Education, Chicago, IL, USA.
Diana L. Farmer, University of California Davis, Department of Surgery, Sacramento, CA, USA.
Richard Sloane, Duke University Center of the Study of Aging and Human Development, Durham, NC, USA.
L D. Britt, Eastern Virginia University, Department of Surgery, Norfolk, VA, USA.
Ajit K. Sachdeva, The American College of Surgeons, Division of Education, Chicago, IL, USA.

Author Type(s)

Faculty

Journal Title

American Journal of Surgery

First Page

395

Last Page

403

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2022

Department

Surgery

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The time course and longitudinal impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on surgical education(SE) and learner well-being (LWB)is unknown. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Check-in surveys were distributed to Surgery Program Directors and Department Chairs, including general surgery and surgical specialties, in the summer and winter of 2020 and compared to a survey from spring 2020. Statistical associations for items with self-reported ACGME Stage and the survey period were assessed using categorical analysis. RESULTS: Stage 3 institutions were reported in spring (30%), summer (4%) [p < 0.0001] and increased in the winter (18%). Severe disruption (SD) was stage dependent (Stage 3; 45% (83/184) vs. Stages 1 and 2; 26% (206/801)[p < 0.0001]). This lessened in the winter (23%) vs. spring (32%) p = 0.02. LWB severe disruption was similar in spring 27%, summer 22%, winter 25% and was associated with Stage 3. CONCLUSIONS: Steps taken during the pandemic reduced SD but did not improve LWB. Systemic efforts are needed to protect learners and combat isolation pervasive in a pandemic.

Recommended Citation

Ellison, E. C., Nagler, A., Stain, S. C., Matthews, J. B., Spanknebel, K., Shabahang, M. M., Blair, P. G., Farmer, D. L., Sloane, R., Britt, L. D., & Sachdeva, A. K. (2022). Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Surgical Trainee Education and Well-Being Spring 2020-Winter 2020: A Path Forward. American Journal of Surgery, 223 (2), 395-403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2021.05.018